About

Cuidad Perdida (The Lost City) in Colombia

Curious Nomad is a blog for those who want to travel the world and make a difference.

There is more to life than working 9 to 5. If you recently graduated, not sure what to do with your life, maybe you’re part of the the corporate grind yearning to break free… you my friend, are not alone. There is a world outside the cubicle waiting for you to explore.

Travel is one of the best investments that you can make in yourself that only makes you richer as a person. Here you’ll find inspiration to save money, step out of the comfort zone, travel the world, and make a difference.

“We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

I created this site to shares experiences and tips to help first timers travel smart. If you are a seasoned traveler, hopefully it will give you ideas on where to explore next. I’m by no means an expert since I’m learning something new everyday, but after traveling to over 23 28 countries over the past decade I have a few things to share.

Bicycle touring through Costa Rica and Panama

Hi. My name is Mig.

My dream is to travel on a round-the-world adventure. No fixed plans, no permanent address, just wandering with a purpose to learn about other cultures and volunteer abroad.

I’m a Filipino American from Chicago that caught the travel bug.

I live adventurously

A few of my adventure travel highlights are going to Chitchen Itza for the end of the world Mayan calendar, camping a whole week in the dessert at Burning Man, hiking Macchu Picchu and the Lost City, backpacking through several countries in Europe, paragliding, skydiving, and cycling over 935 km (468 miles) through two countries solo with no prior experience or training.

While traveling is fun and exciting, I’ve ran into my share of bad luck. I’ve been robbed, scammed, gotten sick, and almost drowned snorkeling, but it hasn’t stopped me from exploring. I’m just a regular guy, a daydreamer, who made the leap to live adventurously.

How I make travel possible

Many ask how I was able to afford to do this. I’m not a millionaire, nor did I win the lottery. I was raised in a working class family. I had a steady job, lived a minimalist lifestyle, and worked my butt off to save my hard earned money to make this happen. Oh, I also sold my car and got rid of most of my possessions too.

I make travel affordable by staying at hostels, Couch Surfing, eating street food, shopping at markets, cooking, taking public transportation, or walking. Once in awhile, I splurge on a nice meal, take a taxi, or stay at an Airbnb or hotel. I only carry things that can fit in my 50 liter backpack which can be brought on a plane as carry on.

Travel and volunteer

While on the road, I seek out volunteer projects that help eradicate poverty and hunger or improve primary education.

When I first started traveling, it didn’t cross my mind to do any social good on my trips. I’ve done a lot of site seeing, crossed things off a check list, partied too much. There is nothing wrong with my previous travel style, but I’ve learned that traveling is more meaningful when you connect with people and cultures in the places you visit.

I’m definitely not close to being anything like Gandhi, but I want to do my small part to change the world. This sounds crazy, huh?

This idea is big, impossible, but it’s actually easier than one might think. I think changing the world is about making things better, creating or doing something that adds value to others.

All it takes are simple ideas to spread and make a positive impact. I hope sharing stories on Curious Nomad will inspire you to travel and make a difference.

At the end of the day, I want to help you do this too… in your own way.

Mombacho Volcano, Granada, Nicaragua

What makes you curious?

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” ~ Albert Einstein

I’d like to hear from you. Comment on the blog to join the conversation. Thank you for visiting!

Panama has had problems with several of their ATM machines throughout the country. When you try to make a withdrawal the machines will deduct the money from your account, but it won’t dispense the cash. An error message will appear instructing you to contact your financial institution. The has happened to me numerous times during […]

I’m hanging out on the beach in Costa Rica working on my blog and thinking about how to lower my expenses. This country is expensive for budget travelers especially coming from Nicaragua or Guatemala where the dollar can stretch further. After being on the go for a few weeks, I decided to take it easy. […]

My friends always ask how I travel by myself. I’d love to take a trip with them, but coordinating vacation time with others can be challenging. There have been times when I found a cheap plane ticket and I was ready to book it, but a friend would still need to find out if they’re […]

According to the Mayans, it’s the end of an era on December 21, 2012. All hell might break loose and the world is going to end! Preparing for a week of camping and survival in the harsh environment of the Black Rock dessert at Burning Man 2012 was a good practice run through to get […]

Are you willing to volunteer your seat on an over booked flight in exchange for a round trip ticket? Last weekend I flew Spirit Airlines from Las Vegas to Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday. The flight was over sold so they were offering a round trip ticket and a $7 food voucher to volunteers who […]